Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to build the necessary basic knowledge, understanding and skills required for the learner's development towards becoming a competent and ethical practicing Engineering Technician who is able to display ability and competency to work amongst self and others. It is intended to subsequently enable the candidate Engineering Technician to demonstrate his/her ability to apply acquired knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and values in the South African working environment and inculcate a culture of the continuous development within their own professional life and area. The content and delivery of the programme has to meet certain quality assurance criteria and is governed by ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) as per their recommendations to offer a fully accredited qualification.

A person successfully completing this qualification is able to

• Apply broad based engineering theory, principles, techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills in solving well defined problems in the field of Electrical Engineering with due compliance with standards and codes.
• Demonstrate well-rounded general Engineering knowledge, as well as knowledge of technical language, procedures, principles and operations in one of the fields of Electrical Engineering.
• To develop a rigorous critical approach to data collection and statistical analysis using standard methods from primary sources and journals using modern retrieval systems.
• Organise, synthesize and present information professionally in a mode appropriate to the audience.
• Apply the knowledge gained in new situations both in the workplace and community.
• Identify, analyze, conduct and manage an electrical engineering project.
• Make independent decisions taking into account the relevant technical, economic, social and environmental constraints.
• To prepare students to work both as a member of a team and independently on electrical projects.
• Relate Engineering activity to health and safety, environmental, cultural and economic sustainability.
• Attain requirements for registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a candidate Engineering Technician.
• Demonstrate the capacity to explore and exploit educational, entrepreneurial and career opportunities, and engage in professional development.

Rationale

Engineering professionals are essential in a modern society and their education, training, experience and professional competency must be at an acceptable level. Engineering education qualifications must satisfy professional requirements; they are higher education qualifications and are also subject to prevailing higher education policy.

This Programme allows a learner to apply technical knowledge, engineering principles and problem-solving techniques in the field of Electrical Engineering by operating within the relevant standards and codes in collaboration with other members of the engineering team.

The qualified person will be able to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Technician-in-Training in the field of Electrical Engineering.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learning assumed to be in place and Recognition Of Prior Learning

Further Education and Training (FET) certificate at Level 4, with Mathematics (Higher Grade), Physical Science (Higher Grade) and English Second Language (Higher Grade) at Level 4.

Recognise Previous Learning

N

Entry Requirements

Minimum Admission Requirements (3-year Diploma)

- National Senior Certificate with rating codes

> English Home Language (4).

> English First Additional Language (4).

> Mathematics (4).

> Physical Science (4).

- Senior Certificate or equivalent with a minimum subject-related symbol as follows

> Physical Science C (SG)/D (HG).

> Mathematics C (SG)/D (HG).

> English C (SG)/D (HG).

• N4 Engineering Sciences and Maths, plus a Matric Certificate or equivalent with English, with a minimum of 50% passes in English, Engineering Science and Maths.
• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Entrance Requirements:

National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 with a minimum of 50% pass in the following subjects: 3 Fundamental: English, Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) and Life Orientation. A minimum of 60% in Physical Science and any two Electrical-related subjects, preferably Electrical Principles and Practice and Electronic Control and Digital Electronics.

• An appropriate General Certificate of Education (GCE), General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or Cambridge School Certificate with at least five subjects at GCE 'O' level including Mathematics, Science and English that has been passed with an A, B or C symbol. Three of the five subjects must have been passed at the same examination sitting. This applies to students from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.
• N5 - Not considered for registration purposes but only for credit/exemption purposes.

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider`s learning programme, or through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

Curriculum Compilation

• The Diploma will be issued on completion of 2.0 Credits of formal time taken from the offerings below, and 1,0 Credits of experiential time (i.e. in-service training), for a total of 3.0 Credits.
• During experiential time (i.e. in-service training) the student registers for Electrical Engineering Practice I for P1, and Electrical Engineering Practice II for P2. Completion of 24 weeks of experiential time in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the log book will generate a credit of 1.0. There are eight specialisation fields, i.e. Power Systems (PSE), Electronics and Telecommunication (ETE), Process Automation and Control (PAC), Clinical (CE), Renewable Energy (REE), Marine Electronics Communication (MECE), Computer Systems (CSE), and Mechatronics Engineering (ME).

Semester 1

• Communication Skills I, 0.0425 Credits.
• Computer Skills I, 0.0425 Credits.
• Mathematics I, 0.083 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering I, 0.083 Credits.
• Electronics I, 0.083 Credits.
• Digital Systems I, 0.083 Credits.
• Physics I, 0.083 Credits.

Total credits: 0.5 Credits.

Semester 2

• Mathematics II, 0.083 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering II, 0.083 Credits.
• Digital Systems II, 0.083 Credits.
• Projects I, 0.083 Credits.
• Electronics II, 0.083 Credits.
• Electrical Machines II (PSE), 0.083 Credits.
• Electronic Communication II (ETE)/(MCE), 0.083 Credits.
• Process Instrumentation I (PAC), 0.083 Credits.
• Bio-Systems I (CE), 0.083 Credits.
• Programming I, 0.083 Credits.
• Solar Cells and Photovoltaic Engineering II (REE), 0.083 Credits.
• Network Systems II (CSE), 0.083 Credits.
• Strength of Materials II (ME), 0.083 Credits.

Total credits: 0.5 Credits.

Semester 3

• Mathematics III, 0.083 Credits.
• Digital Systems III, 0.083 Credits.
• Software Design II, 0.083 Credits.
• Projects II, 0.083 Credits.
• Electrical Machines III (PSE), 0.083 Credits.
• Radio Engineering III (ETE)/(MCE), 0.083 Credits.
• Process Instrumentation II (PAC), 0.083 Credits.
• Medical Equipment II (CE), 0.083 Credits.
• Wind Energy Technology II (REE), 0.083 Credits.
• Microprocessor III (CSE), 0.083 Credits.
• Mechanical Technology III (ME), 0.083 Credits.
• Control Systems II, 0.083 Credits.

Total credits: 0.5 Credits.

Semester 4

• Design Project III, 0.083 Credits.
• Electrical Distribution III (PSE), 0.083 Credits.
• Software Design III, 0.083 Credits.
• Power Electronics III, 0.083 Credits.
• Electrical Measurements III, 0.083 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering III (PSE), 0.083 Credits.
• Electrical Protection III (PSE), 0.083 Credits.
• Digital Communications II, 0.083 Credits.
• Electronics III, 0.083 Credits.
• Signal Processing III (CSE), 0.083 Credits.
• Microwave Communication III, 0.083 Credits.
• Process Instrumentation III (PI), 0.083 Credits.
• Control Systems III, 0.083 Credits.
• Medical Equipment III, 0.083 Credits.
• Renewable Energy Systems III, 0.083 Credits.
• Management III, 0.083 Credits.
• Marine Engineering Knowledge III, 0.083 Credits.
• Network Systems III, 0.083 Credits.
• Logic Design III, 0.083 Credits.
• Programming III, 0.083 Credits.
• Robotics III, 0.083 Credits.
• Automation III, 0.083 Credits.
• Operating System III, 0.083 Credits.

Total credits: 0.5 Credits.

1. Practise Electrical Engineering activities and applications at the level expected of a Professional Technician (Engineering).
2. Manage Electrical Engineering activities and applications at the level expected of a Professional Technician (Engineering).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The operating principles of components, devices and systems are explained correctly.
• The standards and procedures applicable to components, devices and systems are described.
• The initial or current state is described.
• The final or desired state of the work package is specified. Information is gathered, structured and evaluated using proven techniques.
• Technical variables, factors and cause-effect relationships are identified.
• The contextual constraints are identified and stated.
• Circuits, devices and systems are modelled to determine their operating characteristics.
• Comprehensive technical criteria for the solution or successful project are developed.
• The results of the requirements analysis are documented.
• Range: the technician`s superior or client normally defines the work package.
• The latitude for examining options is established by considering the problem context: time, engineering resources, and health and safety issues, environmental issues.
• Basic physical principles and engineering sciences, underlying current technology and mathematical calculations are applied to synthesize solutions.
• Alternative solutions or approaches are proposed and planned based on experience of successful approaches.
• Proven skills, techniques and tools are used to develop solutions for the options.
• Solutions are documented in sufficient detail for evaluation.
• Solutions are judged against set technical and economic criteria, and within prevailing constraints, to determine the extent to which the specification is met.
• Immediate risks and impacts of solutions are evaluated.
• Reasoned arguments involving technical and cost factors supporting the choice of option are presented.
• Engineering judgement is exercised in arriving at a decision to select an option.
• Full responsibility is taken for the technical work package and evaluation is sought from the appropriate authority in respect of any aspect of the solution which is out of range of competency.
• The chosen option is further developed and evaluated as required.
• The chosen option is clearly documented.
• An operational procedure to implement the solution or execute the project is planned.
• Information necessary for implementation is gathered, structured and evaluated.
• Detailed solution procedures are implemented and the outcomes documented.
• Resources necessary to implement the solution or complete the project are identified, sourced and managed.
• Contributions are made to technical aspects of drawing up and negotiating contracts.
• The solution is implemented in accordance with the chosen solution and procedures approved by superior or client.
• Modifications of the chosen solution or implementation procedures are justified and documented, and referred to the appropriate authority when necessary.
• Task requirements are clearly communicated, co-ordinated and monitored to ensure effective team work.
• Quality management procedures are applied.
• The performance criteria for quantities to be monitored are identified.
• Performance data on the implemented solution is collected on an going basis.
• The performance data is evaluated against set criteria.
• Problem-solving cycles are adopted as required.
• Engineering drawings, data and instructions are read and interpreted correctly.
• Appropriate engineering procedures and tools are used to construct/assemble equipment/systems to specification.
• Components, devices and equipment are mounted, installed, maintained and replaced correctly.
• The operating limits of equipment, devices and components are determined using theoretical and practical knowledge of their functioning.
• The functioning of equipment is evaluated to determine whether it is operating within specified limits.
• Measuring equipment is correctly used to determine the operating parameters of components, devices and equipment.
• Measured performance data of components, devices and equipment are correctly interpreted, and compared to specified operating limits, to decide whether the items are functioning properly.
• Appropriate steps to correct malfunctioning equipment and devices are determined and implemented.
• Engineering specifications as applied to the operation and functioning of electrical engineering equipment and systems are read and interpreted correctly.
• Circuit theory is correctly used to analyse the operation of circuits.
• Tools and measuring equipment are identified, prepared, calibrated and maintained appropriately, according to statutory requirements and laid down procedures.
• The operation and performance limitations of test equipment is interpreted to select the appropriate equipment and procedure for the task.
• Test equipment is used correctly and safely to measure electrical parameters relating to the operation of electrical equipment and systems.
• The results of measurements are correctly interpreted to determine whether equipment is operating satisfactorily.
• Problems in equipment and systems, and devices which are degrading the operating performance of equipment and systems, are identified.
• Faulty components, devices and systems are replaced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Time is managed well.
• Work is completed in good time.
• Initiative is used in the work situation.
• Change is dealt with effectively.
• Ethical behaviour in engineering activity is demonstrated.
• Professional development is pursued on an ongoing basis.
• Candidate advises superiors if he/she is not qualified through training or experience to undertake a task.
• Working in a team situation effects change.
• Personal responsibilities in the team are recognised and discharged.
• Critical contributions are made to team activity.
• Communication with team members is effective.
• Relationships, respect and trust are built and maintained with team members, customers and suppliers.
• Team members are mentored and coached, as appropriate.
• Team contributions are documented.
• Priorities to achieve stated goals are set.
• Projects are analysed to identify critical aspects of the project, and project plans are created.
• Project plans are implemented, monitored, reviewed and modified if necessary.
• Challenges and opportunities brought about by changing situations are recognised. Industrial relations legislation and principles are applied.
• Budgets are prepared and managed. The costs of resources are established.
• The candidate contributes to the determining of product and service pricing.
• The candidate contributes to determining the financial viability of projects.
• Specific customer or stakeholder needs are identified.
• Differing values, social and cultural factors are taken into account when dealing with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
• Candidate works collaboratively with customers/suppliers.
• Candidate demonstrates commercial awareness in technical work.
• Candidate manages the procurement process.
• Candidate ensures that the resulting capability meets requirements.
• Regular and complete progress reports are provided.
• Candidate joins professional societies and groups of users and experts in order to share and gain expertise.
• Range: Customer, supplier, regulatory authority, stakeholder.
• Engineering drawings and specifications are prepared and interpreted.
• Cost estimates, work schedules, and instruction manuals are prepared and presented.
• Clear, concise, effective, technically, legally and editorially correct reports are written using a structure and style which meets communication objectives and user/audience requirements.
• Technical and legal matter, relevant to the function of the Professional Technician, is read and evaluated.
• Correct interpretation of instructions is ensured.
• Clear instructions are given to subordinates using appropriate language and communication aids, ensuring that language and other communication barriers are overcome.
• Oral presentations are made using language, structure, style, visual media and supporting documents appropriate to the audience and purpose.

Integrated Assessment

Combinations of the following forms of assessment will be used in the context of the typical roles played by a Professional Technician (Electrical Engineering).

Observation

The assessor will watch the candidate perform a task that is part of his/her normal workplace responsibility.

Demonstration

The assessor will watch the candidate perform a typical workplace task especially for the assessment, because the task is not part of his/her normal workplace responsibility at that specific time.

Computer simulation

The assessor will watch the candidate perform a simulation of the real life task on the computer.

Role play simulation

The assessor will watch the candidate out a typical workplace scenario to assess his/her interpersonal skills.

Written test/examination

The assessor will evaluate the candidate`s knowledge and understanding by giving him/her written tests or examinations.

Oral questioning

The assessor will evaluate the candidate`s knowledge and understanding by asking him/her to verbally answer questions.

Projects

The assessor will evaluate the candidate`s level of competence by setting him/her individual and team projects to complete.

Portfolios

The assessor will evaluate the candidate`s level of competence by considering a portfolio of his/her work.